Bicyclo[1.1.1]pentane Ketones via Friedel-Crafts Acylation

Bicyclo[1.1.1]pentane (BCP) is a rigid aliphatic hydrocarbon with a three-dimensional (3D), propeller-like shape and a molecular size which makes it a targeted bioisosteric replacement for phenylene and acetylene groups in medicinal chemistry. For the pharmaceutical application of BCP, simple, efficient, and cost-effective synthetic tools are required to enable the exploration of BCP’s potential as a bioisostere across a broad chemical space. With numerous sophisticated protocols for C(sp3) functionalization of rigid aliphatic hydrocarbons reported in literature, the synthesis of BCP mono- and diketones remains a challenging task, limited by both substrate scope and expensive photocatalysts. Here we present a protocol for Friedel-Crafts acylation of (hetero)aromatic hydrocarbons with BCP acyl chlorides; in particular, the first method to access diaromatic BCP 1,3-diketones. Reaction optimization, substrate scope, and reactivity of the products are discussed. 35 mono- and diketones are reported accompanied by 7 examples of post-synthetic modifications. The synthesis of a BCP analogue of fenofibrate is reported. Non-covalent interactions of the compounds in the solid state are discussed, including a Hirshfeld analysis.